Lionel Messi is set to make his return to Inter Miami's starting lineup for their final preseason game against his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, according to Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino. Messi had been dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of Miami's friendly in Hong Kong earlier this month, causing quite a stir among fans and officials.
Following the controversy, neighboring China even canceled two scheduled friendlies between Argentina and themselves next month. However, Messi did make an appearance as a substitute three days later in a match against Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Martino confirmed during a news conference on Wednesday that Messi would be starting in the upcoming game and explained, 'I am happy to confirm that he [Messi] is going to start [tomorrow] because that is what we need to get him ready.'
In reference to Messi's injury, Martino added, 'Leo had some inflammation of his adductor during the first game against the Saudi club [Al Hilal]. It wasn't an injury that merited having him stop play nor one that merited any special care or treatment or specific time away. We took it day by day.'
Miami had previously issued an apology for Messi's absence in Hong Kong, emphasizing that the player's health should always be a priority. The team is now focused on ensuring Messi receives sufficient playing time as they approach the start of the season.
Martino continued, 'In our talks with Leo, we discussed how he feels for tomorrow. It is important that he gets minutes as we get closer to the start of the season.' He expressed optimism that Messi's condition will improve, saying, 'Tomorrow for sure he will add minutes and if everything goes as it is going, he will be in good shape for the beginning of the season.'
Looking ahead, Miami will kick off the 2024 MLS season next Wednesday when they face Real Salt Lake at home. The team has encountered challenges during their preseason, having traveled to El Salvador and Saudi Arabia before returning to Florida for the match against Messi's first club from his hometown in Argentina.
Despite a tough preseason, Miami has managed just one victory in their six fixtures, a 4-1 win against a Hong Kong XI. In addition to Messi's return, Martino also shared that former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets will not start against Newell's Old Boys to allow him additional recovery time from an ankle injury before the MLS season commences.
As Inter Miami gears up for the start of the season, fans eagerly await Messi's performance, hoping to witness his magic on the pitch as he represents the club in his new journey in Major League Soccer.
